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Obituary for Michael Edwin Gilsdorf
Gilsdorf, Michael Edwin, age 66 of Littleton. Mike, as he was known by his family and friends, came into this world on August 29, 1946 in Burbank, California. When Mike was two months old his folks moved to Ft. Collins, CO. Mikes crib was a dresser drawer. At around eight years old Mike discovered the joy of earning money and he found several ways to make money over his school years. Mikes first banking job was trying to get work out loans to pay the bank back. Work outs are nearly lost causes for banks, but Mike would put them on a budget and teach them about cash management and put the distraught companies creditors on payment plans; so many customers were able to repay a portion or all of their loans. Mike moved to Littleton National Bank and eventually more than quadrupled the profit in one year. His next step was to be part owner of Mountain Meadows Nursery. These were tough times as prime rate was around 26%; but they gutted through it and eventually sold the land and Mike retired for a short time. His next step was to become part owner of Arapahoe Acres Nursery and eventually Green Acres Nursery as well. Even though Mike was a bean counter and not a horticulturist, he won many awards from the Nursery industry. Mike was passionate about good immigration laws and even wrote an immigration bill over a Christmas break. A devastating hail storm eliminated all of their tree inventory in 2010, so they were forced to close the Nursery in December 2010. In April 2011 Mike was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer (with eventual metastases to his brain, elbow, back and adrenal gland); most probably as a result of contact with Agent Orange while flying helicopters for the Army in Viet Nam. Because of his strange mutation there were no cures for his cancer but Mike endured the chemotherapy and radiation in the hopes it might help him, and in the hope the research data they collected from his treatments would help someone else, especially a child, in the future. Mike was the ideal husband; he could fix anything wood, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, metal work you name it. Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and friends. Mikes passion was traveling; he was able to see 80 countries in his lifetime, with the last one in Bermuda over Valentines Day 2013. Mikes joy was his grandchildren. The only annoying thing about Mike was that he was almost always right. We all learned that it was just easier to do it Mikes way. But he was willing to give you lessons if you considered deviating from the path! Mike was an eloquent speaker and writer and had the rare skill to break down a complex issue into terms all sides could understand. Mike left this world on July 28, 2013. Mike is survived by his daughter, Shera; son, Brian; grandchildren Samantha and Jack; and his devoted wife of 25 years, Sarah. Mike was a good man and is missed by his family and too many friends to count.
